Fener Caddesi

Just north of Falez Park (which is more a few tufts of grass along the rocky Mediterranean cliffs than an actual park) is one of the hippest urban stretches in Antalya, Fener Caddesi. Running north and south, there is quite the concentration of entertainment establishments located in the few blocks between the seaside Lara Caddesi and Tekelioglu Caddesi. Just west of the resort black hole of Lara Beach, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the number of trendy, young locals that frequent the area and the lack of over-tanned tourists.

The large majority of businesses here are upscale, while a few stand out due to interesting gimmicks; the Big Yellow Taxi is all about American-style dining in colorful taxi booths and Diyojen Meyhanesi is a cramped dive bar with famous people on the walls. Then again, highly touted cafes like David People, Kahve Diyarı Lara, and The House reel customers in with class, although the outdoor seating doesn't hurt. Live music lovers should consider Jolly Joker a no-brainer, while the drinks and dancing flow like an Antalyan waterfall in clubs like MODA and Blackk. Turkish food without all the pretense? Kazan Restaurant and the couple of doner shops over on Tekelioglu will hit the spot.

Yeah, there's a lot more than you may have suspected, including a mall and a movie theater. And when all else fails, the views of the mountains beyond the sea from nearby Falez Park and Fener Park are worth some leisurely introspection.